Netgear invented the Orbi series to nurture a perfect blend of wireless coverage and performance. In addition to this, Netgear Orbi routers and satellites are the best choices when you require flexibility, software features, and variety. Picking up the right mesh system from this Netgear innovation might force you to encounter the battle between Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40.
Do you need clarification on these 2 similar choices? Reviewing them with in-depth information might help you decide on the best you can purchase.
Check out this guide if you face a difficult time selecting the right product from these 2 mesh kit products.
Netgear Orbi RBK50
Before you go through the Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40 controversy, you should look at both networking devices separately. So far, Netgear Orbi RBK50 is one of the most precious gems in the whole Orbi series regarding performance, speed, and coverage.
This is a tri-band mesh system; you can get a main router and satellite. Additionally, Orbi RBK50 supports a data transfer rate of up to 3Gbps. This ensures you can achieve an impressive data transfer rate around your home or small office.
Moreover, the mesh system offers both 5GHz and 2.4GHz band channels. This results in better connectivity, and thus, you can experience fewer performance drops. This mesh system belongs to the AC3000 label.
You can expect diverse data transfer rates on different channels, such as:
- 1733 Mbps
- 867 Mbps
- 400 Mbps
On the other hand, the coverage was convincing for buyers. You can expect a coverage of up to 5000 square feet; we guess that’s enough for a regular household.
If you think that you need to improve the coverage or extend the performance efficiency, then it’s possible with Netgear Orbi. You can buy more satellites compatible with Orbi RBK50 for better coverage and smoother performance.
Orbi RBK50’s Features at a Glance
Are you concerned about the connectivity ports and other features of the Netgear Orbi RBK50? We got you covered in this section.
Go through the following Orbi model comparison points to make a clear choice:
- Orbi RBK50 has 1 router and 1 satellite with a Wi-Fi speed of 3Gbps or AC3000.
- The version is compatible with a coverage of up to 5000 square feet.
- Orbi RBK50’s satellite acquires 4 LAN ports to establish wired connections.
- The router has 3 LAN and 1 WAN port.
- The mesh system offers Wi-Fi 5 technology along with Beamforming advantages.
- Additionally, the mesh system is empowered with 512MB RAM and 4GB Flash memory.
Netgear Orbi RBK40
Based on the Netgear AC2200 internet system, Orbi RBK40 is a brilliant mesh system. However, it is the runner-up in the competition between Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40. Like Orbi RBK50, RBK40 is available in a duo of one router and one satellite.
Although, there are huge differences between these 2 mesh systems. Netgear Orbi RBK40 covers an area of up to 4000 square feet, and that’s less than the capability of the Orbi RBK50.
In addition, this particular mesh system belongs to the AC2200 family. This indicates that you will get a 2.2Gbps data transfer rate.
The internet speed distribution over the 5GHz and 2.4GHz channels are:
- 866 Mbps
- 866 Mbps
- 400 Mbps
The router has 1 WAN and 3 LAN ports for connectivity. On the other hand, the satellite features 4 LAN ports for wired connections. The prime advantage of Orbi RBK40 over RBK50 is that the former is cheaper than the latter.
Features of Orbi RBK40
If you look at the Orbi model comparison, you will find the Orbi RBK40 and Orbi RKB30 very similar. However, the Netgear Orbi RBK40 is a more decent option in terms of coverage.
Check out the unskippable features of the Netgear Orbi RBK40 series:
- It features a router, satellite, and a 2.2Gbps data transfer rate.
- The mesh system can offer guest networks, parental control, and more functionalities.
- You can plug the device into any socket, and it should function without any trouble.
- The mesh system supports the Wi-Fi 5 technology.
- Its memory consists of 4GB Flash and 512MB RAM.
Comparison between Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40
Do you still face difficulty choosing the right upgrade for your home from the conflict of Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40? In this section, we will review these line-ups side by side according to their performance and features.
Therefore, you will get a clear idea about your next purchase. Let’s get started:
Performance
The performance of a networking device depends on its speed. Is Orbi RBK5o better than Orbi RBK40? Yes, it is, as the max combined speed of the Orbi RBK50 is 3000 Mbps or 3.3 Gbps. The backhaul speed, or the speed of the link connecting the main router to the satellites, is 1733 Mbps for Orbi RBK50.
However, the Netgear Orbi RBK40 features a maximum combined speed of 2200 Mbps or 2.2 Gbps. the backhaul speed for Orbi RBK40 is 866 Mbps. As a result, you will get higher data transfer rates on Orbi RBK50 compared to RBK40.
However, both options have the same memory components. Therefore, you can expect the same stability for any of these routers. In addition, both these Orbi options support beamforming. If you are looking for one more discrete difference, consider the respective coverage areas of Orbi RBK50 vs Orbi RBK40.
The Netgear Orbi RBK50 covers 1000 square feet more than the competitor Orbi model. You should go for the Netgear Orbi RBK50 if you reside in a larger house.
Connectivity
It’s a tie between Orbi RBK50 and OrbiRBK40 in terms of connectivity. Both networking meshes offer the same connectivity ports and types. Their routers contain 1 X WAN and 3 X LAN ports.
On the other hand, their satellites feature 4 X LAN ports for wired connections. So you can opt for either Orbi RBK50 or Orbi RBK40 if you prioritise wired connections and ports.
Features
Are you thinking about the Orbi compatibility chart for expanding the range? Well, both Orbi RBK40 and RBK50 support all Orbi expansions. You can consider an indoor expansion to expand coverage of another 2500 square feet.
In addition, you can opt for an outdoor expansion that delivers coverage of another 2500 square feet area. So you can relax in your garden or pool and surf the internet using either of the Orbi choices.
Moreover, you can use Orbi Voice, supported by Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. If you want to create and manage a guest network, then it’s possible with both of these Orbi devices. On top of that, you can set parental limits for a better experience and controlled use of the internet by kids.
Which One is the Best?
Given the choices of Orbi RBK50 vs RBK40, the former system is a better mesh system if you prioritise speed and performance. There are 8 Ethernet ports on the router and satellites of this series. Additionally, you will get a data transfer rate of up to 3 Gbps and a coverage of up to 5000 square feet.
The Netgear Orbi RBK40 lags behind RBK50 in performance and coverage. However, if you have a smaller home or workspace, you can purchase RBK40. Additionally, it’s more affordable than RBK50.
